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Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Pain In An Elderly Person
Question: I am 70. Off and on for 2 years, Ive had times when I have severe back pain usually caused by playing golf, stretching a certain way, or twisting while doing an activity, and pain in the buttocks and down the back of both legs to the knee and sometime to the calf both sides. In the past it has subsided. I never have had an epidural steroid injection. One month ago I had the same pain after walking outside on concrete and the stretching. I could barely walk upright. I went to my pain doctor and she gave me a steroid injection(NOT epidural) in the top of both buttocks and it helped so I could walk and not have the severe pain. I had an MRI which is attached. I showed it to the pain doctor and she wants to do an epidural steroid injection one week from now. Please read the part of the MRI I have enclosed ...the report on 4-5 and 5-S1 (the other levels are ok) .....and tell me if it is possible the epidural would be recommended.
Brief Answer:
Yes, it can be given
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for being on HealthcareMagic,
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar, Neurologist, here to answer your query. I've reviewed the reports.
Considering severe facet arthropathy at L4 - L5 and disc extrusion with severe canal stenosis, the epidural steroid injection can be given.
Hope that helps.If you have any further questions, I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.
Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Yes, it can be given
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for being on HealthcareMagic,
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar, Neurologist, here to answer your query. I've reviewed the reports.
Considering severe facet arthropathy at L4 - L5 and disc extrusion with severe canal stenosis, the epidural steroid injection can be given.
Hope that helps.If you have any further questions, I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.
Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
In your experience, with the wording of the MRI as you described, can the epidural usually be helpful?? How many should I have ? In your opinion, can surgery be avoided.... or would I have to have surgery sooner or later?
Brief Answer:
Epidural injections should be useful
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for being in follow-up.
Yes, epidural injections will likely be helpful.They can be taken a few per year(usually one every 2-3 months).The statement is correct that you may need surgery sooner or later or may be not.That depends on symptoms.However, oral medications and spinal exercises should be of help to you.You should discuss that option with your treating doctor.
Hope that helps.If you have any further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.
Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Epidural injections should be useful
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for being in follow-up.
Yes, epidural injections will likely be helpful.They can be taken a few per year(usually one every 2-3 months).The statement is correct that you may need surgery sooner or later or may be not.That depends on symptoms.However, oral medications and spinal exercises should be of help to you.You should discuss that option with your treating doctor.
Hope that helps.If you have any further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.
Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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